Toxoplasmosis

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is transmitted to humans at various stages of the parasite, primarily by eating raw or undercooked meat containing cysts, drinking contaminated water, direct contact with the feces of cats that shed infectious oocysts, and transplacentally (passage from mother to baby during pregnancy).
The infection occurs in humans and warm-blooded mammals and is a widespread disease worldwide. In our country, the prevalence of the disease is 33-50%.
How can I tell if I have a Toxoplasma gondii infection?
The infection usually runs its course without any symptoms. In rare cases, swelling in the lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, weakness and flu-like symptoms may occur. If a Toxoplasma gondii infection is contracted during pregnancy, there is a risk of the parasite passing to the baby in the womb. Depending on the stage of pregnancy at which the infection was contracted, the baby may be affected to varying degrees (seizures, eye involvement, stillbirth, etc.).

How is it diagnosed?

After infection, antibodies (IgM and IgG) are produced against the parasite. Detection of IgG antibodies (protective antibodies) indicates that a Toxoplasma gondii infection occurred in the past. If IgG is positive and IgM is negative before pregnancy or in the first 3 months of pregnancy, the risk to the baby is very low; if the test is done for the first time later in pregnancy or IgM is positive, additional tests such as avidity are needed. Detection of both IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma indicates that the infection was contracted a short time ago.

However, IgM antibodies can remain at detectable levels even years after the infection. In this case, additional tests such as avidity and PCR should be performed before interpreting IgM positivity as an acute infection.

How should antibody testing be done?

The IgG antibody level should be checked 3-4 months before pregnancy or when the pregnancy is noticed. If IgG positivity is present, the risk of infection for the baby is very low. In pregnant women who are IgG negative, IgG/IgM should be repeated regularly throughout the pregnancy.

Can the infection be treated during pregnancy?

Yes, there are treatment options for toxoplasmosis depending on the stage of pregnancy.

How can the infection be prevented if protective antibodies are not present?

1. Eating raw or undercooked meat should be avoided (minced meat, salami, sausage, etc.).
2. The cat litter box should be cleaned daily. This should be done by someone who is not pregnant.
3. Basic hygiene rules (such as washing hands) should be observed after preparing meat and after gardening.
4. Vegetables and fruits that will be eaten raw must be washed very well.